Women's Basketball

Providence, RI – Head Women's Basketball Coach Jean Marie Burr and junior guard Sheila Dixon (Schenectady, NY) were recently honored at the Cox Sports Rhode Island Basketball Awards Banquet. Burr was named Women's Division I Coach of the Year, while Dixon received the Rhode Island Women's Player of the Year award.

"Teamwork is key and strong leadership a gift," said Coach Burr. "It is a privilege coaching such amazingly accomplished student-athletes like this year's seniors. Their individual passion for the game is contagious and they work so hard for each other's success. It is special. This recognition reflects their leadership as well as the dedicated efforts of our talented team. Our players through the years, take pride in what they do as students and athletes and stand for all that comes with wearing BROWN on their uniform."

Burr, in her 24th year coaching the Brown women's basketball team, picked up the honor after leading her 2011-12 squad to a 16-12 season and also a 7-7 mark in the Ivy League. She earned her 300th career win this season when Brown defeated Dartmouth in Hanover, N.H., 74-50. Burr previously won the award in 2005-06, when she guided the Bears to an Ivy League title, and has been named the Women's Division I Coach of the Year a total of four times.

Dixon, a two-time Second Team All-Ivy selection, led Brown in scoring (13.1 ppg), rebounding (6.1 rpg) and in steals (2.1 spg). A starter in all 28 games this season, Dixon scored in double figures in 19 of 28 games and recorded three double-doubles. She also received Ivy League Player of the Week honors on Dec. 5 after she helped the Bears capture a Brown Basketball Classic title with victories over Providence College and the University of Rhode Island.

"Our opponent's had to prepare for the versatility that Sheila brought to our backcourt," added Burr. "We have talented players on this team. She added to it with her ability to distribute the ball, set up her teammates, knock down threes as well as attack the basket. This helped our team keep the defense off balance. Sheila worked at both ends. Her intensity and quickness got us the ball and added to our team's tough defensive style. She was tough on the defensive boards. She fought. Her consistent approach to practice, competing and working on her game made her such a great teammate and leader. She always plays with a passion and love for the game. That makes it fun for all, weather you are scrimmaging or running sprints. She is ready and will be counted on to continue to give the team that kind of effort."